ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2025) – In a newly announced main event, world title contender Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (28-2-1, 22 KOs) will face a newly installed opponent, Miguel “El Explosivo” Madueño (31-3, 28 KOs), in what could become an all-out Mexico vs. Mexico brawl. Madueño steps in for the previously announced former two-time super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis, who sustained a shoulder injury. The new main event is scheduled as a 12-round super lightweight bout for Saturday, Feb. 15. The event is presented in association with Cancun Boxing and Camponovo Sports, and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

“It’s a shame that Regis Prograis was injured. As I said before, I was very happy to face a fighter of that level, a former world champion, and I hope he recovers soon,” said Duarte. “Despite the change of opponent, I do not lose motivation. I remain focused and prepare at 100%. I set a goal for myself, and I am not going to stop until I achieve it—to be world champion! I see that Miguel Madueño is a good fighter and very dangerous. I am going to fight smart to win this bout. I must not lose sight of the fact that he is an experienced boxer, and fights between Mexicans are guaranteed to be a good show. I am grateful to Golden Boy for this great opportunity!”

“As we’ve seen in the past with Mexican warriors, this will be a war inside the ring on Feb. 15,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “We applaud Miguel Madueño for accepting this challenge against Oscar Duarte. This main event will be even more explosive with two knockout artists, and I fully expect both to give the fight of their lives as they have everything to prove inside that ring.”

“In this sport, you never know when that call will come—that’s why I stay ready,” said Madueño. “This isn’t an easy fight, but that’s exactly why I do this. Boxing isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am. I live it, breathe it, and right now, I’m hungry to get back in the win column. Oscar Duarte is a tough challenge, and I respect him for taking me on as a late replacement. But I’m not going to Anaheim to test my luck—I’m going to win. I’m going to fight, throw everything I’ve got, and prove that nothing great happens without taking your best shot.”

“We are grateful to Golden Boy and DAZN for this incredible opportunity and extend our best wishes to Regis Prograis for a swift recovery from the injury that sidelined him from this event,” said Alex Camponovo. “Stepping up on short notice, Miguel ‘El Explosivo’ Madueño embraces yet another tough challenge—something that has defined his career through grit, heart, and a relentless pursuit of the toughest tests. I commend him for betting on himself against a formidable opponent like Oscar Duarte. With both fighters possessing explosive knockout power and a passion for toe-to-toe action, fans at the Honda Center and those watching from home can expect nothing less than an electrifying showdown.”

Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte, of Parral, Chihuahua, has made his mark in boxing as one of the toughest world title contenders in the lightweight division. Known for his hunter-killer instincts and defensive skills, he is unafraid to engage any fighter. His only career blemishes are a loss to Adrian Estrella in 2019—which he avenged with 11 straight knockout victories—and a defeat to knockout artist Ryan Garcia in December 2023. His most recent win was a masterful performance on the “Latino Night” card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he defeated the resilient Botirzhon Akhmedov. Duarte turned professional in 2013 and has incredible Mexican star power behind him, with award-winning actor, model, and television host Gabriel Soto co-managing his career alongside Cancun Boxing.

Miguel Ángel Madueño Angulo, known by his ring name “El Explosivo,” is a Mexican professional boxer from Sinaloa, Mexico. Madueño has built a reputation for his formidable punching power, with an impressive 28 victories coming by knockout—giving him a knockout ratio exceeding 80%. He made his professional debut on Jan. 27, 2017, securing a first-round technical knockout against Luis Fernando Aguilar. Throughout his career, he has competed primarily in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions. Notable victories include wins over Juan Huertas, Luis Munoz Duran, and Manuel Martinez. His most recent bout was on July 6, 2024, when he faced Keyshawn Davis and suffered a unanimous decision loss. Despite this setback, Madueño continues to train and compete, aiming to further his career in the boxing world.

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Duarte vs. Prograis is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2025) – A stacked undercard has been announced for Golden Boy’s Feb. 15 card featuring Duarte vs. Prograis. In a monumental step in his career, Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (28-2-1, 22 KOs) will face former two-time super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) in a 12-round super lightweight bout. The event is presented in association with Cancun Boxing and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Co-headlining the show, Darius “DFG” Fulghum (13-0, 11 KOs) of Houston will take on Detroit’s Winfred “Hotboy” Harris (22-2-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight fight. Fulghum will defend his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight title.

Tickets for Duarte vs. Prograis are on sale now, priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25, excluding applicable service charges. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets, which include exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades, are also available. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, HondaCenter.com, or GoldenBoy.com. In light of the destructive Los Angeles wildfires, Golden Boy will honor first responders by donating 1,000 tickets to them and their families through 1sttix.org.

In a 10-round fight defending his WBC Silver flyweight title, Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (25-2, 18 KOs) will take on Indianapolis’ Saleto Henderson (10-1, 7 KOs). Top-rated Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (21-2-1, 8 KOs) will compete in a 10-round welterweight fight against San Antonio’s Kendo Castaneda (21-7, 9 KOs). Former Team USA member and rising knockout star Joel Iriarte (5-0, 5 KOs) will fight in a six-round welterweight bout against Steven Thomas (4-0, 2 KOs) of South Carolina.

Featured on the prelims, Mexico City’s Yair Gallardo (8-0, 7 KOs) will compete in an eight-round light heavyweight fight against Carlos Miranda (7-1, 3 KOs) of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Undefeated prospect Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (10-0, 8 KOs) of Denver will take on Francisco Pacheco (7-3-2) of Mexicali, Mexico, in a six-round lightweight fight.

Petr Khamukov (13-0, 6 KOs) of Woodland Hills and Dayan Depestre (5-0-1, 3 KOs) of Miami will collide in an eight-round middleweight bout. Undefeated Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (6-0, 4 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico, will face Jalisco’s Roberto “Escorpion” Pucheta (14-25-3, 8 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight fight. Orange, California’s Fabian Guzman (6-0, 6 KOs) will participate in a six-round middleweight fight against an opponent to be announced.

In a four-round super lightweight match, Amarillo, Texas’ Javier Meza (1-0, 1 KO) will meet Bellevue, Nebraska’s Rickey Smith (0-2). Opening fight night, Kevin Gudino (1-0, 1 KO) of Bakersfield will compete in a four-round bantamweight bout against an opponent to be announced.

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Duarte vs. Prograis is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2025) – In a monumental step forward in his career, Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (28-2-1, 22 KOs) will face former two-time super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) in a 12-round super lightweight bout. Scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15, the event is presented in association with Cancun Boxing and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

“I feel very happy and motivated with this great opportunity to face a former two-time world champion boxer,” Duarte said. “Facing Regis Prograis means a lot to me because he is an established, high-level fighter, and if I can win this fight, it would represent a very important step in my career. I know the fight will not be easy. Prograis is a complicated fighter; he hits hard, has not been knocked out, and also wants to return to victory after his last two defeats. I will have to put up a great fight and be very intelligent to defeat him. I want to thank Golden Boy, especially Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gómez, for this great opportunity to star in this card that will be broadcast on DAZN!”

“First off, I’m just excited to be back in the ring so soon doing what I love,” Prograis said. “I understand that inactivity is the death of a fighter. At this point in my career, I want and need to be more active. I think this fight has fireworks written all over it. My opponent is a strong, tough and hungry fighter, and it should be a great night in California. I’m excited for this fight and looking forward to next month.”

“Duarte is one of the most exciting and powerful fighters in boxing, and I fully expect him to be relentless in going for the knockout on Feb. 15,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “But Prograis is a two-time world champion who has faced the best of the best and has never been knocked out. This is a true crossroads fight, and I fully expect an absolute war when these two collide.”

In light of the destructive Los Angeles wildfires, Golden Boy will honor first responders by donating 1,000 tickets to them and their families as a token of appreciation through 1sttix.org.

Ticket presale for Duarte vs. Prograis begins today, Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT with the code KNOCKOUT. General sale begins Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 10 a.m. PT, with tickets priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25, not including applicable service charges. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, including exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com, HondaCenter.com, or GoldenBoy.com.

More information on the undercard will be announced soon.

Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte of Parral, Chihuahua, has made his mark in boxing as one of the toughest world title contenders in the lightweight division. Known for his hunter-killer instincts and defensive skills, he is unafraid to engage any fighter. His only career blemishes are against Adrian Estrella in 2019 – which he avenged with 11 straight knockout victories – and the crafty knockout artist Ryan Garcia in December 2023. His most recent win was a masterful performance on the “Latino Night” card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he defeated the resilient Botirzhon Akhmedov. Duarte became a professional in 2013 and has incredible Mexican star power behind him, with award-winning actor, model, and television host Gabriel Soto co-managing his career along with Cancun Boxing.

Regis “Rougarou” Prograis of New Orleans is a former two-time super lightweight world champion. Renowned for his southpaw prowess, his boxing journey began after relocating to Houston following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Training at the Savannah Boxing Club alongside Evander Holyfield, he compiled an impressive amateur record of 87-7. Prograis turned professional in 2012, quickly making a name for himself with his aggressive style and knockout power. In 2019, he captured the WBA super lightweight title, marking his ascent in the boxing world. He further solidified his status by winning the WBC super lightweight title in 2022. Prograis’s most recent bout was against Jack Catterall on Oct. 26, 2024, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England. Despite a valiant effort, Prograis lost by unanimous decision, with scores of 117-108, 116-109, and 116-109 in favor of Catterall.

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Duarte vs. Prograis is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte

Jack Catterall believes he can “pick holes” in former two-time WBC World Champion Regis Prograis when the Super-Lightweight rivals clash over 12 rounds in the first ever headline fight at Co-op Live in Manchester this Saturday October 26, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

The Chorley man is just days away from the biggest test of his professional career to date and is all too aware that a win over his American rival would likely lead to a World Title shot against the likes of Teofimo Lopez Jr or Liam Paro, who puts his IBF crown on the line against Richardson Hitchins in December.

Full focus remains on the task at hand against New Orleans’ ‘Rougarou’, and Catterall, who avenged his controversial loss to bitter rival Josh Taylor last time out in May, says he is hugely motivated to face an opponent that is looking to become a three-time World Champion.

“I think if you look at Regis now, his last two performances have probably been below par,” said Catterall. “I think that the Regis I’m fighting next is probably a hungry and driven Regis. That’s what I’m excited for, the fact that he’s been World Champion twice and he’s hungry to become a three-time World Champion.

“He lost his belt in his last fight so I think he’ll be super motivated for this fight to get back on track and get a win. That gives me the fire in my belly and gets me excited knowing that I’m getting a hungry and determined Regis coming to fight me in Manchester.

“I feel like a second coming now. It’s been a great ride since I signed with Matchroom. This will be my third headline fight in a UK arena in 12 months. That again is a great feeling. The 140 division is stacked with a lot of great fighters, so I find myself now fit and well, past the periods of inactivity and ready to fight and be involved in these big fights.

“That is the motivation and part of the motivation behind fighting Regis. Outside of the World Champions, he for me is the biggest fight to have. I believe a victory against him will put me right at the top of the list and ready to challenge the biggest names in the division.”

‘El Gato’ is keen to keep the momentum building after his career-best win in Yorkshire and the 31-year-old Jamie Moore-trained southpaw certainly isn’t short of confidence as he prepares to go to war with one of the biggest names in American boxing. 

“Regis’s style suits me, he’s a lot slower on his feet. I think with Regis he carries a lot of power but I think my defence is too good and I think I can pick holes in him. When I beat Regis Prograis I don’t know what options are left for him. He’s had his time in the sun – two-time World Champion. I think it’s a difficult road back.
 
“If this turns into a dog fight, I’m there for it and I’m ready for that. No matter what I’m ready to dig deep, go to the trenches and I’m confident I’ll get my hand raised. I expect this to be a tough fight but I expect a victory.”Catterall vs. Taylor tops the first ever boxing event to take place at Co-op Live, ReeceBellotti (19-5, 4 KOs) puts his British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles on the line against Manchester’s Michael Gomez Jr (21-1, 6 KOs), Doncaster’s James Flint (14-2-2, 3 KOs) and Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (14-1, 5 KOs) meet in a must-win rematch, Sunderland Welterweight talent Pat McCormack (5-0, 4 KO) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Argentina’s William Andres Herrera (16-2, 7 KOs) in a clash for the WBA Intercontinental Title, Rotherham Super-Welterweight Junaid Bostan (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on Argentina’s Maico Sommariva (9-4-1, 8 KOs) over eight rounds, Manchester Super-Welterweight William Crolla (5-0, 4 KOs) makes his Matchroom debut against Harrow’s Lorenzo Grasso (6-2, 1 KO), Liverpool Middleweight prospect SteClarke (4-0, 1 KO) looks to go 5-0 against Poland’s Mateusz Pawlowski (2-1, 1 KO), Liverpool Featherweight Joe McGrail (10-0, 5 KOs) meets Walsall’s Lewis Morris (8-2, 1 KO) over eight rounds and Heywood Bantamweight debutant Emily Whitworth kicks off the Before The Bell action against Hungary’s Sara Orszagi (1-2).

Ellie Scotney will defend her IBF, WBO and IBO Super-Bantamweight World Titles against mandatory challenger Mea Motu on the undercard of Jack Catterall’s blockbuster Super-Lightweight showdown with Regis Progais at Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday October 26, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

Catford’s Scotney (9-0) captured the IBF World Title by dethroning Cherneka Johnson at OVO Arena Wembley back in June 2023 before unifying the 122 lbs division against France’s former WBO Champion Segolene Lefebvre in her last outing at Manchester Arena in April.

The 26-year-old now faces her undefeated IBF mandatory Motu (19-0, 7 KOs) – her second unbeaten opponent in a row – with the promise of further unification clashes against WBA champion Nazarena Romero and WBC ruler Yamileth Mercado should she get past the New Zealander. 

Watford’s Reece Bellotti (19-5, 14 KOs) looks to continue his remarkable run of form when he defends his British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles for the second time against Manchester favourite Michael Gomez Jr (21-1, 6 KOs).

The 33-year-old’s brilliant resurgence began at the famous York Hall in April 2022 where he stopped Dean Dodge in seven rounds to pick up the Southern Area Title. Two years and four wins later ‘Bomber’ can take another step towards winning the prestigious British Title outright should he become just the second man to defeat Gomez Jr. 

Hyde Super-Lightweight Campbell Hatton (14-1, 5 KOs), now training under Barry Smith at the Ben Davison Performance Centre in Harlow, Essex, jumps straight back into a rematch with Doncaster’s James Flint (14-2-2, 3 KOs), looking to avenge the first loss of his professional career. 

‘Hurricane’ Hatton was soundly beaten by Flint when challenging for the Central Area 140 lbs title at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in March, but armed with a new training team, the 23-year-old Manchester City fanatic is aiming to get his career back on track by silencing his doubters. 

Sunderland’s rising Welterweight star Pat McCormack (5-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring for his first fight since July 2023 to face Argentina’s William Andres Herrera (16-3, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Title and there’s action on the card for Leeds Super-Welterweight Ishmael Davis (13-0, 6 KOs), Manchester Super-Welterweight talent WilliamCrolla (5-0, 4 KOs), Liverpool Middleweight Ste Clarke (4-0, 1 KO), Liverpool Featherweight talent Joe McGrail (10-0, 5 KOs) and Heywood Bantamweight debutant Emily Whitworth.

“I’ve been desperate to get back in the ring since I unified the division in Manchester back in April,” said Scotney. “That night was a dream come true for me and it seems like the city is becoming a second home. 

“Right now all that matters is October 26 where I’m fully focused on defending what’s mine. I’m ready to prove I’m the number one in the Super-Bantamweight division.”

Tickets for Catterall vs. Prograis priced £40, £60, £100, £200 and £350 (VIP) are available to purchase NOW via Stage Front and Co-op Live.

Jack Catterall’s eagerly-anticipated Super-Lightweight showdown with former two-time World Champion Regis Prograis will now take place on Saturday October 26 at Co-op Live in Manchester, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

The rivals had originally been set to clash later this month on August 24 before Catterall sustained an injury, but the 140lbs contenders will now raise the curtain for boxing at the UK’s newest and largest world-class arena later this year. 

Chorley’s Catterall (29-1, 13 KOs) ended a two-year wait for revenge by beating bitter rival Josh Taylor in Leeds in May, outpointing the Scotsman over 12 electric rounds in front of over 11,000 fans in one of the best British bouts of the year so far.

‘El Gato’ is keen to keep the momentum building after his career-best win in Yorkshire and the 31-year-old Jamie Moore-trained talent knows he within touching distance of another shot at world honours.

New Orleans’ Prograis (29-2, 24 KOs) surrendered his WBC Super-Lightweight World Title to Devin Haney is a huge PPV showdown at Chase Center in San Francisco last December, suffering only the second loss of his career in front of a sold-out crowd of 17,000 fans. 

‘Rougarou’, a two-time World Champion at 140lbs, is looking to rebuild himself as a contender after his one-sided points defeat to ‘The Dream’, and the 35-year-old is confident that a win over Catterall will push him on towards becoming a three-time World Champion. 

“I’m delighted that a new date for my fight with Regis Prograis has been sorted so quickly,” said Catterall. “Big thanks to Matchroom, my team and Co-op Live for all of their hard work on this. To be the first boxer to headline at Co-op Live is going to be special and I’m really happy I’ll still get that opportunity. It was gutting having to pull out of a fight for the first time in my 30-fight career but I need to be fit and healthy going into one of the most important contests of my life. Thanks for everyone’s continues support and I’ll see you all on October 26!”

Co-op Live pre-sale tickets are available to purchase NOW via www.cooplive.com/events

General Sale tickets will be available to purchase from 10am on Tuesday August 6 via Stage Front (stagefrontvip.com) and Co-op Live (www.cooplive.com/events).

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Thanks Jamie and thank you to Anthony Crolla as well, who has been responsible for some massive nights in Manchester, and wow – have we got some massive nights coming here. Not just on August 24^, but I think I join with everybody to say wow, what a place and what a venue. Co-op Live is open for business in the boxing world and we’re delighted that we have been given the honour to christen this incredible place, August 24 with one of the best fights that can be made at 140lbs.

“Jack Catterall coming off that incredible victory against Josh Taylor in front of 11,000 at the Leeds Arena takes on a former World Champion Regis Prograis, coming off disappointment in defeat in a massive fight against Devin Haney. Both guys looking to recapture the World Championship in 2024. How good for boxing that two of the best in the division are fighting each other, rolling the dice to make a great fight for the fans. All live and exclusive of course on DAZN around the world.

“This venue Co-op Live, we’re doing some great business with these people. Last week of course in the Footprint Center in Phoenix – another one of their venues – 10,000 in there. Next week at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, 13,000 or 14,000 in there. We’re expecting a huge crowd on what will be a massive night of boxing on August 24.

“We are going to build an incredible card for you here of local derbies, big British names as well and of course already announced – the all-British women’s World Championship fight between Rhiannon Dixon and Terri Harper. Delighted as well to mention the recent signing of William Crolla. This is a young man who I believe can really lift Manchester boxing over the next few years and has earnt his shot at a contract with Matchroom. More big fight news coming for this card but today we focus on a thrilling fight in the 140lbs division between two guys who have been at the top for a very long time.”

Jack Catterall:

“I’m delighted. That chapter with Josh now is closed. It’s a new chapter. Before the first fight I found myself in a great position, number one in the WBO, but I was sitting on the shelf for too long. I think we understand that the division is wide open right now. There’s no immediate shot at the World Title but I didn’t want to be waiting until the back end of the year or early next year to get back in the ring, with the hopes of maybe landing a World Title fight.

“Like I said to Sam and I said to you (Eddie Hearn), I want the biggest fights. I think Regis said it, bar the World Titles this is the biggest fight in the division. I’ve had momentum, you (Eddie Hearn) have kept me active which I’m grateful for. I’m in a great position and I don’t want to be sat to the side waiting for fights to happen that might not happen. I need to strike while I’ve had the momentum.

“Regis is a two-time World Champion looking to become three. I know the winner of this fight is in a great position with you to go on and challenge for a World Title. This fight gets me up, I’m excited, it’s not far from where I live this Co-op Live arena. I’ve got everything to gain in this fight.

“I’ve been watching Regis for four or five years. I was at the fight against Taylor in 2019. I’ve watched him box in Dubai, I was in San Francisco in December so I’ve been seeing him and I know what he’s about. He’s a tough fighter and he’s earned his right – he’s a two-time World Champion. I know exactly what stands in front of me and I’m working hard. I’ve been straight back in the gym. No rest, no honeymoon, straight back to work.”

Regis Prograis:

“I feel like me and Jack is the biggest fight you can make in the division without a belt being on the line. We were actually supposed to fight a few years ago but it just never happened, and so now we’re here. I think this is the best time right now. For sure, it’s must-win. I have a goal now. Every time I get the belt I kind of just don’t care about it. Now I have a goal again. I want to be a three-time World Champion and this is the man that I have to get past. Catterall is one of the biggest names in the division right now. The 140lbs division is stacked right now. Like I said, this is the biggest fight that they can make without a belt being on the line. I’m ready to do it again in front of the crazy UK fans.”

Jamie Moore:

“Thanks for leaving me to last after that because I’ve got no f***ing idea what I’m going to say now. Activity has always been something that we’ve asked for which was key when we signed with Matchroom. We’ve got that now and I feel he’s just getting better and better.

“He’s the ultimate professional, he’s always in the gym. He’s literally just got married and he’s straight back in the gym asking for a big fight. This date came up, Regis accepted the offer that was put to him and we find ourselves in a position where you’ve got two of the best fighters outside of the World Champions fighting each other, taking a huge risk in all honesty. If Regis loses this fight then it looks like where does he go from here? Jack Catterall has put himself in a position where he should be fighting for a World Title. It just wasn’t available at this moment in time.

“We got offered Regis Prograis, a lot of people would say you’re crazy to take a risk like that. I don’t see it as big as a risk as people say it is because of my confidence in Jack Catterall. We’ve always been conscious of making sure the styles blend because Jack is that clever that sometimes it can be a hard watch because the styles don’t blend. This is certainly going to gel into a really good fight. Reigs is 35-years-old and he’s achieved so much, but I still feel like he’s got a lot left. That’s going to bring the best out in Jack. I want him to go in there knowing that he’s got to perform at his best.”

Evins Tobler:

“Well look Eddie, you’ve done it again. You’ve done it again. Before I get to particulars about the fight, we had a safe trip over here thank God. We want to thank Matchroom and you for always putting on the fights and making the best fight the best.

“I like Manchester. I don’t like a whole load of places but I like Manchester. I’m a Manchester United fan through and through. Manchester, come August 24 you’re going to come out, and I know you’re crazy fans, but this guy (Jack Catterall) has no idea what he’s up against. He (Sam Jones) says that Jack Catterall is a world class fighter; he’s not. He’s not. These two guys are too far apart.

“I guarantee you he can’t tell you the last guy Jack Catterall knocked out. Tell me who he knocked out. He didn’t beat Josh Taylor. The first fight, he won the fight – good job. But the second fight Taylor whooped his ass. I know you know.

“Jack Catterall is not on the level of a Regis Prograis and if you’re a true boxing fan you know. We got 24 knockouts. Catterall knocked out about 12 bums. You just told the great people of Manchester that your guy is the guy, and he’s not. Regis Prograis is a million steps ahead of Jack Catterall. Jack Catterall is a good fighter but he’s not a Regis Prograis. Regis has been decapitating people his whole career and Jack Catterall won’t be any different. It’s going to be a decapitation.”

Sam Jones:

“You can put any name to Jack and he would say yes to it. I’ve known Regis a while and he’s a fantastic fighter. Regis, his career would have been a bit different if he’d of got the nod against Josh Taylor at The O2 arena. It was a fantastic fight. His career would have really taken off but he’s kind of done it the hard way and he deserves a lot of respect for that. He’s a fantastic fighter and he’s a good person as well, but if he thinks he’s coming to Manchester and derailing Jack Catterall while he’s in the form of his life – he’s f***ing no chance! Absolutely.

“I know the big fella over there (Evins Tobler) who looks like he could squeeze me to death is laughing, but it’s true. This journey to the UK this time will be a happy one, and hopefully Frank Smith has put them on business class flights, but the second trip back to America is going to be a really sh*t one. His Rougarou mask is going to be scrunched up in his hand luggage and it’s going to be a depressing journey back.

“I respect Regis Prograis a hell of a lot as a fighter and I think he knows that as well, but as I say; there’s f***ing no chance. I overheard with my ears that Regis Prograis said Jack isn’t world class. I think that’s just him trying to give himself a little bit of confidence because he’s coming off a disappointing fight against Devin Haney. I believe Prograis is a lot better than what he showed in that fight. I think he’s a hell of a lot better. Devin Haney can’t knock the skin off a Devon Custard, but he was buzzing Prograis with shots.

“Jack Catterall is an underrated puncher. Trust me, he’s a strong puncher. When Reig meets him in the first round and he gets hit with a filthy sweaty horrible Chorley jab he’s going to know about it. When his ears and nose are vibrating he’s going to know he’s in it deep.”

About Co-op Live
Co-op Live is a £365m, 23,500 capacity premier venue located on the Etihad Campus in the heart of Manchester featuring over 120 nights a year of unique entertainment. Co-op Live emerges as the newest and largest arena in the UK, a testament to the unrivalled partnership between Oak View Group (OVG), City Football Group (CFG), Harry Styles, and Co-op.

Distinguished as a world-class, planet-friendly venue deeply rooted in the local community, Co-op Live is poised to become one of the world’s most sustainable and socially responsible venues delivering on Co-op’s vision of a fairer world within the entertainment industry.

With an impressive array of 32 bars, restaurants, lounges, and club spaces, Co-op Live sets the standard for premium live entertainment in music industry today. Venue excellence extends to the innovative ‘Smart Bowl’ design with cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art acoustics, crafted to offer an intimate and immersive sensory experience for all patrons. 

Visit cooplive.com, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Jack Catterall and Regis Prograis will create history when they meet in a blockbuster Super-Lightweight clash at the top of the first ever boxing show to take place at Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday August 24, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

Chorley’s Catterall (29-1, 13 KOs) ended a two-year wait for revenge by beating bitter rival Josh Taylor in Leeds last month, outpointing the Scotsman over 12 electric rounds in front of over 11,000 fans in one of the best British bouts of the year so far.

‘El Gato’ is keen to keep the momentum building after his career-best win in Yorkshire and the 30-year-old Jamie Moore-trained talent knows he within touching distance of another shot at world honours.

New Orleans’ Prograis (29-2, 24 KOs) surrendered his WBC Super-Lightweight World Title to Devin Haney is a huge PPV showdown at Chase Center in San Francisco last December, suffering only the second loss of his career in front of a sold-out crowd of 17,000 fans. 

‘Rougarou’, a two-time World Champion at 140lbs, is looking to rebuild himself as a contender after his one-sided points defeat to ‘The Dream’, and the 35-year-old is confident that a win over Catterall will push him on towards becoming a three-time World Champion. 

“I’ve waited around for big fights to happen before, sitting around waiting for title shots and it caused me a huge amount of inactivity,” said Catterall. “I’ll never do that again. I asked Eddie Hearn and Sam Jones for the best available fight for August 24 and as soon as they mentioned Regis Prograis I said yes straight away. We were meant to fight a while back and it fell through; but now we have the opportunity to settle it in the ring on August 24. 

“I don’t want to sit on the sidelines and I’ll never do that again. Regis Prograis is a fantastic fighter and he’s coming off the back of a huge PPV World Title fight against Devin Haney. He’s a former two-time World Champion, he’s been over here to the UK before, had a life and death with Josh Taylor, and I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with such a great fighter.”

“This is a fight I’ve always wanted,” said Prograis. “We were supposed to fight a few years ago but it never materialised. Now is the perfect time. I view Jack as one of the best in the world at 140lbs. It’s a great fight because Jack is eager to become a World Champion and I’m looking to become a three-time World Champion. On top of that, I’m excited to be coming back to the UK.”

“This is a brilliant fight and I’m so happy that we are seeing the best 140lbs fighters face each other rather than just sitting around waiting for title shots,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Jack Catterall is on a great run and Regis Prograis needs to make a statement in this fight, I think it will be a thriller. I’m also delighted to give this incredible new arena its first live boxing event and it’s going to be a huge show from top to bottom August 24 – live around the world on DAZN.”

“In a few short weeks since opening our doors, Co-op Live has played host to one epic concert after another,” said Tim Leiweke, CEO, Oak View Group. “But the biggest and most expensive arena in Europe was not only built for concerts, but to host the biggest boxing events in the UK. With this kind of ambition, we had to partner with legendary promoters. Matchroom and Eddie made a commitment to put together a world class card for our first boxing event, and what a first event this will be. Co-op Live is honoured to welcome home Jack Catterall to Manchester and to host Jack and Regis for our first boxing event at Co-op Live. The building will be electric, whether you are lucky enough to be there in person or watching from around the world on DAZN.”

“We wanted to keep Jack as busy as possible and it’s hard for people to understand but there aren’t any World Title shots available at this moment in time,” said Catterall’s manager Sam Jones. “Eddie wanted to do a big show at Co-op Live – the first ever boxing event to take place at Manchester’s newest venue. It’s amazing for Jack Catterall to be the first ever boxer to headline there. We’ve gone with the best opponent available and the biggest name; and that’s Regis Prograis. The fight was going to happen a couple of years ago but it never materialised for whatever reason, but we’re here now and it’s going to be an absolute barn-stormer of a fight.”

An announcement on ticket details will be made soon.

About Co-op Live
Co-op Live is a £365m, 23,500 capacity premier venue located on the Etihad Campus in the heart of Manchester featuring over 120 nights a year of unique entertainment. Co-op Live emerges as the newest and largest arena in the UK, a testament to the unrivalled partnership between Oak View Group (OVG), City Football Group (CFG), Harry Styles, and Co-op.

Distinguished as a world-class, planet-friendly venue deeply rooted in the local community, Co-op Live is poised to become one of the world’s most sustainable and socially responsible venues delivering on Co-op’s vision of a fairer world within the entertainment industry.

With an impressive array of 32 bars, restaurants, lounges, and club spaces, Co-op Live sets the standard for premium live entertainment in music industry today. Venue excellence extends to the innovative ‘Smart Bowl’ design with cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art acoustics, crafted to offer an intimate and immersive sensory experience for all patrons. 

Visit cooplive.com, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

By Mario Ortega Jr. (Ringside)

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA  — The former unified lightweight champion Devin Haney impressed in his 140-pound debut, issuing Regis Prograis the most one-sided defeat of his career en route to claiming the WBC light welterweight title before his hometown crowd.

Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada was just too much of everything for Prograis (29-2, 24 KOs) of Houston, Texas by way of New Orleans, Louisiana over the twelve rounds.

After a feeling out opening stanza, the fight was all Haney. In the second round, Haney, 140, began to find the angles he needed to land, which he did with one right uppercut in particular.

Early in the third, Haney scored a knockdown with a lead right over the top of Prograis’ guard.

Prograis, 139, came out for the fourth on steady legs, but the challenger continued to give him a boxing lesson as the fight wore on. Haney landed a crisp one-two combination to punctuate the fourth round.

Haney continued to blister Prograis with combinations in the fifth round, while also putting some money in the bank via a body attack.

The one-two worked again for Haney as he rocked Prograis back on his heels with less than a minute to go in the sixth.

The pace slowed in the seventh, with Prograis was unwilling to let his hands go. The referee and the ringside doctor took a long look in the Prograis’ corner prior to the eighth.

Haney led the action in the eighth and ninth, but with less and less to counter, the Bay Area native was content to box and move. With a minute to go in the ninth, Prograis over extended himself with a left and Haney made him pay with a clubbing right that excited the crowd.

Haney seemed satisfied sending the bout to the cards as he exhibited some flashy defense in the championship rounds, but never pressed for the stoppage as he outboxed Prograis from bell-to-bell.

In the end, all three judges scored the shutout for Haney, 120-107. The question now is where does Haney go next. 140-pounds is one of the deepest divisions in boxing, but the Haneys have already floated designs on the welterweight division. Promoter Eddie Hearn floated the name of Ryan Garcia after the bout, but that seems like an unlikely prospect.

In the final appetizer before the main event, WBO #11 ranked light welterweight Liam Paro scored two knockdowns early in the sixth en route to stopping Montana Love midway through the round.

Paro (24-0, 15 KOs) of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and Love (18-1-1, 9 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio fought on even terms early in the fight. There was not much to distinguish the two as the boo birds derided the lack of early action. 

Things heated up a bit more late in the fifth, but it was the sixth where the fight took a quick turn. Paro, 140, landed clean with a left uppercut that sent Love, 140, to the seat of his pants for the first knockdown. 

When action resumed, Paro moved in aggressively, eventually landing a straight left that sent Love down for a second time. Love made it to his feet, but when Paro forced him into a neutral corner with a flurry, Love covered up for too long for referee Thomas Taylor’s liking. The referee stopped the fight at 1:49 of round six.

With the win, Paro, who had a scheduled title bout against Regis Prograis slip between his fingers due to injury earlier this year, claimed the vacant regional WBO Intercontinental 140-pound title.

Cruz Takes out Straffon in 3

Fast-rising lightweight prospect Andy Cruz (2-0, 1 KO) of Miami, Florida by way of Matanzas, Matanzas, Cuba completely steamrolled normally durable Jovanni Straffon (26-6-1, 19 KOs) of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico en route to a third-round stoppage. 

Cruz, 134.4, let loose with both hands from the opening bell. It was all Straffon, 134, could do to weather the onslaught. The second round was especially one-sided, as Cruz straffed Straffon with everything in his arsenal.

Early in the third round, Cruz pressed Straffon into a neutral corner, landing clean with both hands. Having seen enough of the mismatch, referee Edward Collantes leaped in to stop the bout at :53 of the third round. 

With the win, Cruz successfully defended his IBF International lightweight title and claimed the vacant WBA Continental Latin America lightweight title. 

Yoshida Upsets Bridges to Claim Bantamweight Title

Coming in on short notice, Miyo Yoshida (17-4) of New York, New York by way of Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan upset media darling Ebanie Bridges (9-2, 4 KOs) of New South Wales, Australia to claim the IBF bantamweight championship by ten-round unanimous decision. 

Yoshida, 117.6, was in the face of the champion Bridges, 117.8, from the get-go and never took a backward step. Yoshida, despite having campaigned mainly in the 115-pound super flyweight division throughout her career, looked like the bigger fighter and landed the harder shots.

Bridges, fighting for the first time in a year with a surgically-repaired right hand,  never was able to force Yoshida into any sort of retreat and ate the more eye-catching shots as they exchanged throughout a fight fought completely on the inside. 

Yoshida, who entered the ring as the IBF #10 ranked bantamweight and had fought just one month ago in a losing effort to Shurretta Metcalf, closed out the fight strong and raised her hands in celebration as the final bell rang. In the end, all three judges scored the fight wide for Yoshida by scores of 97-93 and 99-91 twice

Middleweight prospect Amari Jones (11-0, 10 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Oakland, California was impressive in his Bay Area homecoming as he stopped tough veteran Quilisto Madera (14-5, 9 KOs) of Stockton, California in the fifth-round. 

Jones, 159.2 controlled Madera, 160, in the opening round with his jab. As the fight progressed into round three, Jones’ right hand came more into play and became the dominant punch of the fight. 

The end of round four got Jones’ home crowd excited as a right hand snapped Madera’s head back against the turnbuckle and set off an exchange along the ropes. 

Jones picked right up where he left off early in the fifth. With Jones landing clean, two-handed combinations as Madera backed against the ropes, referee Thomas Taylor leaped in to stop the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:44 of the fifth round. 

Beatriz Ferreira (4-0, 2 KOs) of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil saw her own blood for the first time as a professional en route to an eight-round stoppage of a game Destiny Jones (5-2, 2 KOs) of Austin, Texas.

Ferreira, 130, found a willing opponent in Jones, 129.8, who had her moments throughout the bout. Ferreira is just a fearless punching machine and Jones had to work hard to keep pace. Twice Ferreira knocked Jones’ mouthpiece out, once with a right late in the second and again in the fourth.

After Jones drew blood with an accidental elbow late in round four, Ferreira seemed more determined to go for the stoppage as the fight progressed. Ferreira eventually landed with a sweeping left hook with seconds to go in round seven that dropped Jones, who was leaning that way.

At the beginning of round eight, Jones did not react well when asked to touch gloves and referee Edward Collantes asked the doctor for a look. On the advice of the doctor, Collantes stopped the bout. Official time of stoppage was :05 of round eight.

In the opening bout, Shamar Canal (7-0, 4 KOs) of Albany, New York continued his rise with a dominant six-round unanimous decision over veteran Jose Antonio Meza (8-9, 2 KOs) of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. 

Canal, 132, had too many dimensions for the durable Meza. After comfortably outboxing Meza, 131.8, over the early rounds, Canal pressed on the gas in the last two and finally broke through with a straight right that dropped the Mexican native late in the sixth. All three judges were in agreement on the shutout, 60-53.

6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
SHAMAR CANAL (132lbs)          vs.        JOSE ANTONIO MESA (131.8lbs)
Albany, New York                                  Durango, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
8 x 2 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
BEATRIZ FERREIRA (130lbs)       vs.        DESTINY JONES (129.8lbs)
Sao Paulo, Brazil                                   Austin, Texas
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
 
AMARI JONES (159.2lbs)           vs.       QUILISTO MADERA (160lbs)
Oakland, California                               Stockton, California
 
LIVE ON DAZN PPV (USA) AND DAZN (R.O.W) FROM 5PM
 
10 x 2 mins IBF World Bantamweight title
 
EBANIE BRIDGES (117.8lbs)       vs.        MIYO YOSHIDA (117.6lbs)
New South Wales, Australia                   Kagoshima, Japan
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins IBF International and vacant WBA Continental Latin-American Lightweight titles
 
ANDY CRUZ (134.4lbs)                 vs.        JOVANNI STRAFFON (134lbs)
Matanzas, Cuba                                    Mexico City, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight title
 
LIAM PARO (140lbs)                  vs.        MONTANA LOVE (140lbs)
Brisbane, Australia                                Cleveland, Ohio
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBC World Super-Lightweight title
 
REGIS PROGRAIS (139lbs)         vs.       DEVIN HANEY (140lbs)
Houston, Texas                                      San Francisco, California

By Mario Ortega Jr. –

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Devin Haney, until recently the unified lightweight champion, aims to make a splash in his junior welterweight debut as he takes on one of the most avoided 140-pound title holders in Regis Prograis Saturday night at the Chase Center on pay-per-view. The twelve-round fight, which headlines a seven-bout card emanating from the home of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, also marks a homecoming for the San Francisco-bred Haney, who has never before fought in the Bay Area. Fighters weighed-in on Friday at the venue and continued a week of contentious back-and-forth. 

In the lead-up to the fight, bad blood has spilled over as Devin’s father-coach Bill Haney and Prograis’ strength coach Evins Tobler have debated everything from who grew up on the harder streets to which of their main event fighters has real punching power.

In their final face-off on Friday, Haney and Prograis took the lead in the heated back-and-forth between the camps. No one came to blows, but the animosity seemed legitimate as the two shouted each other down in an expletive-laden exchange. 

Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada closed out his lightweight campaign and solidified his standing among the pound-for-pound elite in his last bout as he scored a hotly-contested unanimous decision over former three-division ruler Vasyl Lomachenko in May. Just over a week ago, Haney relinquished all four of his 135-pound belts to signify his focus on an already crowded junior welterweight division. Haney weighed-in at 140-pounds on Friday.

Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) of Houston, Texas by way of New Orleans, Louisiana was last in the ring in June as he had a tougher-than-expected time moving past once-beaten late replacement Danielito Zorrilla in the first defense of his WBC title reign. In an admittedly poor performance, Prograis, who was making his hometown return, struggled to close the distance and cut-off the ring against Zorrilla en route to a split decision. Prograis came in at 139-pounds Friday.

In the chief supporting bout, WBO #11 ranked light welterweight Liam Paro takes on Montana Love in a ten-round bout. Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia was the opponent that had to withdraw from the June title bout against Prograis in New Orleans when he injured his Achilles tendon a month before the scheduled clash. Six months later, Paro auditions for another title opportunity, while Love seeks a different type of redemption. Love (18-1-1, 9 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio was an emerging contender at 140-pounds before he was dropped and frustrated to the point of forcing a blatant disqualification in his bout against unheralded Steve Spark last November. 

In a bout for the regional WBO Intercontinental lightweight title, Paro and Love both weighed-in at 140-pounds. 

Highly touted lightweight prospect Andy Cruz (1-0) of Miami, Florida by way of Matanzas, Matanzas, Cuba will meet Jovanni Straffon (26-5-1, 19 KOs) of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico in a ten-round bout. Cruz will be defending the regional IBF International lightweight title he impressively claimed in his pro debut over respected veteran Juan Carlos Burgos in July. Straffon figures to be a sturdy test for Cruz’ second pro opponent, considering the Mexican native went the twelve-round distance with Maxi Hughes and ended the career of former title challenger James Tennyson by first-round knockout in 2021. 

In a bout also for the vacant WBA Continental Latin America title, Straffon came in at 134 even. Cruz, a 2020 Cuban Olympian gold medalist, scaled 134.4-pounds. 

Ebanie Bridges (9-1, 4 KOs) of New South Wales, Australia seeks to make the second defense of her IBF bantamweight title against late replacement Miyo Yoshida (16-4) of New York, New York by way of Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan in a ten-round bout. Bridges had been slated to meet IBF #11 ranked Avril Mathie until an injury late last month forced her fellow Aussie to withdraw. 

Bridges was last in the ring one year ago as scored an eighth-round stoppage of Shannon O’Connell in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. In the time since, Bridges nursed a surgically-repaired right hand and began training under Dave Coldwell.  Yoshida, the IBF #10 ranked bantamweight, fought just a month ago, coming up short to Shurretta Metcalf in her 118-pound debut. Bridges, who, as always, was not camera shy while hitting the scales, came in at 117.8-pounds.

Yoshida, a former WBO super flyweight champion, weighed-in at 117.6. 

Beatriz Ferreira (3-0, 1 KO) of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil will take on Destiny Jones (5-1, 2 KOs) of Austin, Texas in an eight-round super featherweight bout. Ferreira, a 2020 Brazilian Olympian and former international amateur standout, weighed-in at 130-pounds. Jones, stepping up to the eight-round distance for the first time, scaled 129.8-pounds.  

Shamar Canal (6-0, 4 KOs) of Albany, New York will take on veteran Jose Antonio Meza (8-8, 2 KOs) of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico in a six-round featherweight fight. Canal, promoted by Devin Haney Promotions, was last in the ring in October, scoring a second-round knockout in Colima, Mexico. Meza last saw action in September, fighting to a double disqualification against Leonardo Padilla. Canal weighed-in at 132-pounds, while Meza made 131.8-pounds. 

Middleweight prospect Amari Jones (10-0, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Oakland, California will make a step-up against veteran Quilisto Madera (14-4, 9 KOs) of Stockton, California in an eight-round bout. Jones, promoted by Devin Haney Promotions, last fought in October, scoring a first-round stoppage in Colima, Mexico. Madera, a nine-year pro, is hoping to rebound from an eight-round decision loss to Kevin Newman II in August. Jones, who like Haney is making his Bay Area debut as a professional, weighed-in at 159.2-pounds.

Madera, who refused to attend the pre-fight press conference on Thursday, citing bad blood, scaled 160-pounds.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

WBC Light Welterweight Championship, 12 Rounds

Prograis 139

Haney 140 

WBO Intercontinental Light Welterweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Paro 140

Love 140 

IBF International Lightweight Championship

WBA Continental Latin America Lightweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Cruz 134.4

Straffon 134

IBF Bantamweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Bridges 117.8

Yoshida 117.6

Super featherweights, 8 Rounds

Ferreira 130

Jones 129.8

Super featherweights, 6 Rounds

Canal 132

Meza 131.8

Middleweights, 8 Rounds

Jones 159.2

Madera 160

Tickets for the event, promoted by Matchroom Boxing, Devin Haney Promotions and Rougarou Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com 

Photos by Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at [email protected] 

Devin Haney and Regis Prograis came face-to-face for the first time in fight week – signaling the countdown is on to their blockbuster battle for the WBC World Super-Lightweight title at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday night, live on DAZN PPV in North America and on DAZN worldwide
 
Tickets have being flying as elite boxing ends a lengthy absence from the Bay Area, and there was no better spot than the famous Golden Gate Bridge to better signify the massive night ahead for both men.
 
Unbeaten Haney is looking to bridge the five-pound gap between the Lightweight division he left behind holding all the belts, and the 140lb division he seeks to rip the WBC belt from ruler Prograis and become a two-weight King in his first pro fight on home turf. 
 
Defending champion Prograis has no intention of surrendering the green and gold though, and the New Orleans man is in no mood to let Haney reach the other side where the unification battles that ‘Rougarou’ craves are waiting.
 
Haney and Prograis will face-off two more times ahead of Saturday’s action, and fans can watch both the press conference and the weigh-in live on Matchroom’s YouTube channel – but can get even closer to the action on Friday lunchtime, with free entry to the weigh-in at Chase Center on Friday, with information on how to get tickets to be released tomorrow morning (Wednesday).
 

Liam Paro told Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast that he will show he belongs at the top level when he meets Montana Love at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday December 9, live on DAZN PPV in North America and on DAZN worldwide, where Regis Prograis defends his WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Devin Haney.
 
Paro (23-0 14 KOs) returns to the ring after over a year on the sidelines since his spectacular first round KO of Brock Jarvis in Brisbane in October 2022, and is itching to get back into action after injury ruled him out of two fights in the first half of the year, the last and most notable of those being a World title shot against Prograis in New Orleans in June.
 
Paro is back to full fitness and has been on fire in training camp in Las Vegas, where he found himself caught up in a Twitter storm around his sparring with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson. The 27 year old adhered to the fighters code and did not go into specifics of the work, but said he took away real belief that those are the names he belongs with – and will prove it on December 9 against Love.
 
“It’s sparring at the end of the day,” said Paro. “We got good rounds in, but mark my words, I belong at the top level, I can mix it with them confidently. I appreciate the work with Shakur, it’s great work and a good camp to work with, but I belong there for sure. 
 
“I want the winner of Haney-Prograis. I think Devin beats him, I think the way to give him trouble is fast feet like Vasiliy Lomachenko, but in his last fight Regis’ looked stuck in the mud. He’s going to be fit and ready though as this is a massive fight, as big as it gets, but I think Devin edges this one out. Haney vs. Paro rolls off the tongue, but I am not looking past Montana, I know I need to get the job done there first.
 
“I know that when I get the job done, I’ll be headlining big shows like this one against big names, it just motivates me so much. It’s what you dream of as a young kid and now it’s starting to become a reality. It’s unbelievable. I’m here, but I want more. The harder the task, the more I perform, I always rise to the occasion. I love it. That’s what makes a champion, performing under pressure, I really thrive on that.”
 
Joining Paro on the latest episode of Flash Knockdown are O’Shaquie Foster, who reviews his epic fight with Rocky Hernandez and eyes a unification with Joe Cordina next, Josh Warrington, who reflects on his clash with Leigh Wood, and there’s another Mike Costello gem from the memory bank.
 

Devin Haney and Regis Prograis will clash in a Super-Lightweight blockbuster at Chase Center in San Francisco, California on Saturday December 9, live on DAZN PPV in North America and on DAZN worldwide.

PRESALE TICKETS GO ON SALE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 AT NOON PT – FANS INTERESTED IN SIGNING UP FOR PRESALE CAN DO SO HERE.

TICKETS GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 AT NOON PT AT CHASECENTER.COM.

Haney (30-0 15 KOs) returns to his Bay Area roots in his quest to become a two-weight World champion, moving up from 135lbs having become undisputed after beating George Kambosos Jr in Australia in June 2022, and then successfully defended his crown twice, once in a rematch Down Under in October and then against modern-day legend Vasiliy Lomachenko in Las Vegas in May, and now the San Francisco-born 24 year old can make more history in his first fight on his home turf.

Prograis (29-1 24 KOs) puts his WBC title on the line for the second time after successfully seeing off the Danielito Zorrilla on his New Orleans home patch in his first defense in April. ‘Rougarou’ became a two-time holder of the green and gold belt in November when he knocked out Jose Zepeda in the 11^th round in Carson, California – and the 34 year old returns to The Golden State to face the former undisputed Lightweight king.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Haney. “It’s been a dream of mine to fight in my hometown. I’m excited for the opportunity to become two-division World champion in The City [The Bay] where it all started. The energy in the building is going to be electric. I haven’t fought at home since I was an amateur, so I’m looking for my city to show up and show out. 

“As a kid, I always envisioned fighting at The Oracle in Oakland. Now with Chase Center, I have two dream locations with a bridge between them. So, my first order of business is to blow the roof off Chase Center on December 9 with an amazing event. I picked a focused and hungry champion to invite to my hometown. Regis is going to be trying to knock me out and that’s exactly what I need him to be TRYING to do. This is what you do when you are the youngest promoter in boxing. I’m the real face of boxing. December 9. Legacy and Money.

“On paper this is a tough fight because it’s my first fight at a heavier weight division. I’m comfortable with the plan have. God willing, I’m going to be stronger and faster than ever. I’m going to dominate him, and the Welterweight division will be put on notice.

“It’s never personal, this is a business at the end of the day. We’re two gentlemen at the end of the day, but when we get in the ring, we don’t have respect for each other. I’m going to go in in there and do my job.”

“Finally, we’re ready to go on Saturday, December 9 and I can’t wait to put on a show,” said Prograis. “I’ve already started training camp and I’ll be more than ready to do what I do best.
 
“Devin has done well at 135lbs but I’m the best in the world at 140lbs and I will prove that once again!
 
“Since my last fight they mentioned Devin’s name and that’s the only person I’ve had on my mind. I will not only beat him, but I will beat him up. I will hurt this kid. It’s nothing he can do that’s going to stop me from dominating. It’s going to be a massacre. Again, I will hurt him.”
 
“It’s been quite a journey from East Oakland,” said Bill Haney, Devin’s father and trainer. “Everything us represents “The Bay.” Strong and independent. It’s surreal to finally get a chance to go home where The Dream started.

“We’re taking this fight seriously. Regis is a tough guy from New Orleans. He’s a two-time champion with KO power, so he speaks with confidence. I’m anticipating a sharp strong Devin Haney at 140 lbs. This is why this is an exciting matchup. 

“This fight shows the level of competition Devin is going after, and there’s no built-in excuse for either fighter. They both need to fight each other to get where they’re going. It’s a winner-take-all.”

“Regis will show that he is the best 140lb boxer in the world,” said Bobby Benton, Regis’ trainer. “He will get to show all of his skills and also his IQ against Haney.”“I am thrilled that we can finally get our teeth into talking about one of the best fights of 2023,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The build-up to this one is going to be like the fight itself – intense, fiery, and explosive. There is no love lost between them and bragging rights alone are a huge prize on offer, but with Regis wanting to prove he’s the man to beat at 140lbs and Devin aiming to become a two-weight World champion as a homecoming hero, the stakes simply couldn’t be higher on what promises to be an electric night of action in San Francisco.” 

The mouth-watering clash is another huge addition to DAZN’s stunning schedule to close 2023. London is the scene for World title action this weekend as Australian Cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia defends his IBF and Ring Magazine titles against Jordan Thompson, and the following weekend (October 7) an all-British blockbuster sees Nottingham’s Leigh Wood defend his WBA World Featherweight title against Leeds’ Josh Warrington in Sheffield.

Leading Super-Lightweight star Jack Catterall has hometown advantage on October 21, but former World ruler Jorge Linares has fond memories of Manchester and will be looking to rekindle them in what promises to be a war. A week later, the action switches to Cancun in Mexico as O’Shaquie Foster defends his WBC World Super-Featherweight title against big punching Mexican Rocky Hernandez.

The Super-Featherweight division remains the focus when Matchroom return to Monte Carlo on November 4, where Joe Cordina will defend his IBF World title against Texan Edward Vazquez. The next American show on Hearn’s packed slate sees future Super-Middleweight ruler Diego Pacheco continues his rise in a hometown show in Los Angeles against Marcelo Coceres.

After an incredible night in Dublin in May, Chantelle Cameron and Katie Taylor meet again in the Irish capital for the Undisputed Super-Lightweight crown, and the week after Haney and Prograis clash, there’s another fight that has boxing fans purring, as Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards head to Glendale, Arizona in a Flyweight unification battle.

“What a great night of boxing this will be”, said Jared Kass, SVP North America, “A proper fighter’s fight, which will see two of the divisions finest facing off in December in San Francisco. Watch Devin Haney vs Regis Prograis live and exclusive on DAZN PPV on December 9.”

Haney vs. Prograis is the first boxing event to be held at the world-class Chase Center in San Francisco. Opening its doors in 2019, Chase Center is an award-winning 18,064-seat sports and entertainment arena in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood that is home to the seven-time NBA champion Golden State Warriors and San Francisco’s top events and performances.

Regis Prograis defended the WBC Super Lightweight title with a 12-round split-decision over Danielito Zorrilla at the Smoothie King Center in New Orlenas.

In round one, it looked like Zorrilla scored a knockdown when he landed a left hand that sent Prograis to the canvas, but was ruled a slip. That was the difference in the fight as in round three, Prograis landed a quick left that put Zorrilla down.

Prograis, 139 lbs of New Orleans won by scores of 118-109 and 117-110, while Zorrilla took a 114-113 card.

Prograis is 29-1. Zorrilla, 139 lbs of Toa Boja, PR is 17-2.

Shakhram Giyasov remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Harold Calderon in a welterweight bout.

In round 10, Calderon was cut over his right eye.

Giyasov, 146.1 lbs of Bukhara, KAZ won by scores of 120-108, 118-110 and 116-112 and is now 14-0. Calderon, 146.2 lbs of Miami, FL is 27-1.

Julissa Guzman knocked out previously undefeated Ramla Ali in round eight of their 10-round super bantamweight fight.

In round five, Guzman dropped Ali with a perfect overhand right on the jaw. In round eight, Guzman landed a perfect left hook to the chin that put Ali flat on her back for the 10-count at 42 seconds.

Guzman, 121.1 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 13-2-2 with seven knockouts. Ali, 122 lbs of London, ENG is 7-1.

Jeremy Hill stopped Mark Davis in round four of their eight-round lightweight bout.

In round four, Hill landed a perfect right to the chin that hurt Davis. Hill followed up with three hard shots that blasted Davis into the ropes and down to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Hill, 135.6 lbs of New Orleans is 19-3 with 12 knockouts. Davis, 135.6 lbs of Baton Rouge, LA is 19-2.

Ginny Fuchs remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Indeya Rodriguez in a super flyweight fight.

Fuchs, 113.4 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 3-0. Rodriguez, 113.2 lbs of New Orleans is 6-8-2.

In round three, Fuchs was cut over her left eye from an accidental headbutt.

Xavier Madrid upset previously undefeated Aaron Aponte by winning an eight-round split decision in a super-lightweight fight.

Madrid, 138.5 lbs of Albuquerque, NM won two cards by 76-75 scores. Aponte took a card 78-73.

Madrid is now 5-2. APonte, 140 lbs of Hialeah, FL is 7-1-1.

Criztec Bazaidula won a four-round unanimous decision over Elroy Fruto in a lightweight bout.

Bazaidula, 136.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Fruto, 135.6 lbs of British Columbia, Canada is 1-2.

Regis Prograis is ready to bring big-time boxing back home to New Orleans – starting with his WBC World Super-Lightweight title defense against Danielito Zorrilla on Saturday June 17 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM
Prograis (28-1 24 KOs) is looking to shine in his first fight at home since beating Terry Flanagan in October 2018 as he aims to land the unification fights he craves in the second half of 2023, with undisputed on his mind in 2024. 

‘Rougarou’ fights under the Matchroom banner for the first time on June 17, and with his new partnership with Eddie Hearn, the 34 year old is heavily involved in the rest of the card, ensuring an all-Lousiana bout between New Orleans’ Jeremy Hill (18-3 11 KOs) takes on Baton Rouge’s Mark Davis (19-1 5 KOs) over eight at Lightweight, and Houston-based 2020 Olympian Ginny Fuchs (2-0 1 KO), being advised by Prograis, fights for the third time in the paid ranks on the card against Indeya Smith (6-7-2 1 KO) over eight rounds at Super-Flyweight.

Prograis admits that fighter management and promotion could be in his future, but the WBC king says that there are many more chapters to be written in his own fighting career first, starting with a long-awaited return to the Big Easy.

“The last time I fought in New Orleans it was nice, but this is the Smoothie King Center, it’s on a different level, I’m ecstatic,” said Prograis. “You can’t soak up the moment too much because I still have to go out there and fight, I still need to do that, but it’s really a dream come true because coming up, when I first started boxing, I wanted to fight there – it was a two-part dream, fight at the Smoothie King Center and then at the Superdome, so this is the first big step towards doing something huge in my city.

“We’re starting Rougarou Promotions with this card and with my partnership with Eddie, I feel we’re taking more control and direction not just of my future in the ring, but with other fighters. I said for the undercard ‘I want this guy, I want Ginny’ – that’s what I want to do. It makes sense if we’re bringing big time boxing to New Orleans that we have some fighters from here on the card. 

“I don’t know if I want to be a promoter per se, and I feel that I have a long way left in my own career, but right now at home, I do want to have NOLA fighters on the card and to help them shine. I’m in the gym in New Orleans and Houston, I see the talent out there, so when I fight, I want people to see them.

“It’s going to blow it up. We did the Lakefront in 2018, but this is big. Eddie said ‘listen, if we do good, we’re going to keep coming back’. So that’s why we need everyone to come out because it can be a regular thing. This used to be a boxing town, but it faded over the years, so if we do good, I think this will become a regular thing.

“As the champion, you must be even hungrier as those contenders are coming for you and that they want what you got. There are wolves behind me all day long, so my mindset has to be that there’s fighters all over the world that are coming for me and I need to outwork them, out train them, be hungrier than them – I have to be on my A-game every day.”

Prograis defends his World title on a stacked night of action in New Orleans. 

Unbeaten Australian Heavyweight Justis Huni (7-0 4 KOs) faces Andrew Tabiti (20-1 16 KOs) over ten rounds, unbeaten pair Shakhram Giyasov (13-0 9 KOs) and Harold Calderon (27-0 18 KOs) meet in an eliminator for the WBA Welterweight crown and Ramla Ali (8-0 2 KOs) defends her IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against Julissa Guzman (12-2-2 6 KOs).

Criztec Bazaldua (1-0) kicks off the night on Before the Bell against Elroy Fruto (1-1) over four rounds at Lightweight and Aaron Aponte (7-0-1 2 KOs) meets Xavier Madrid (4-2 2 KOs) over eight at Super-Lightweight.

Regis Prograis will defend his WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Danielito Zorrilla on Saturday June 17 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS FOR PROGRAIS VS. ZORILLA ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM
Prograis (28-1 24 KOs) became a two-time World king at 140lbs by dismantling and knocking out Jose Zepeda in 11 rounds at the feted ‘War Grounds’ of the Dignity Health in California in November.

The New Orleans native previously held the WBA title at Super-Lightweight, winning the belt against Kiryl Relikh via sixth round stoppage at the University of Louisiana in April 2019 in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series, before meeting Josh Taylor in the final at The O2 in London in October in a barnstorming battle edged by the Scot.

The 34 year old returned to winning ways against Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna to lead to his win over Zepeda, and ‘Rougarou’ is looking to shine in his first fight at home since October 2018 as he aims to land the unification fights he craves in the second half of 2023, with undisputed on his mind in 2024.

Zorrilla (17-1 13 KOs) will be out to spoil those plans, and the Puerto Rican promoted by the legendary Miguel Cotto, lands a golden opportunity to win his first World title on June 17, replacing the injured Liam Paro. The 29 year old held the WBO NABO title at 140lbs, highlighted by a destructive second round KO over Pablo Cesar Cano, and pushed highly rated Californian Arnold Barbosa Jr all the way in their clash in July.

“I’m glad that Zorrilla has taken the fight,” said Prograis. “Nothing changes for me; I am still working hard to go out there and prove that I am the best fighter in the world at 140lbs. I will go out, do my thing, show out for my city and defend my title with pride.

“I’m sad for Liam but we have a great replacement, and I am going to make every proud. Everyone in the city is stopping me in the street and asking me about the fight, so I cannot wait to get in there and put on a show, it’s going to be a fire fight.”

“We have waited for this opportunity for a long time in my career and it has finally arrived,” said Zorrilla. “I am ready to be a world champion, I am grateful to Prograis for giving me the opportunity but on June 17, there will be a new World champion.

“I’ve been watching Prograis for a long time and I know his style, I know I have the talent and ability to win by any means. The world will know who Zorro is.”

“Zorrilla has worked hard for this opportunity and without a doubt the time has come to fight for the World championship,” said Cotto. “Prograis is a great champion but on June 17 he will have a complete boxer in front of him, hungry and ready to be World champion.”

CARSON, CALIFORNIA– In an impressive performance, Regis Prograis claimed the vacant WBC light welterweight title with an eleventh-round knockout of longtime contender Jose Zepeda at the Dignity Sports Health Park. 

Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) of New Orleans, Louisiana proved to have too many dimensions for Zepeda (35-3, 27 KOs) of La Puente, California. When the flow of the bout called for him to box, Prograis boxed. When Zepeda drew him into an inside action fight, Prograis more than handled himself. 

Zepeda, 139.4, caught Prograis, 139, leaning to the left for the shot that got a rise out of the crowd in the first. Prograis landed well with his jab early in the second, but Zepeda came back late in the round. 

After boxing well at distance for much of the third, Prograis, who entered as the WBC #2 ranked contender, nearly came out of his shoes as he fired off a clean left late in the round. When Prograis went for another sweeping left, Zepeda, the WBC #1 ranked contender, threw his own in concert as the two landed simultaneous hard shots to close out the third.

After getting beaten to the jab, Zepeda drew Prograis into a firefight to close out the fourth, much to the delight of the crowd. The back-and-forth action resumed in the fifth, as neither fighter would let a clean blow go unanswered. 

Prograis controlled much of sixth, turning the fight into a boxing match with his pinpoint jab and movement. Prograis’ feints and ring generalship troubled Zepeda again for much of the seventh. Before the close of the round, an accidental clash of heads drew blood from the nose of Prograis. 

Prograis continued to outbox Zepeda through rounds eight and nine before Zepeda got him to stand-and-trade heading into the tenth. 

The tenth would feature thrilling two-way action throughout, briefly breathing new life into Zepeda’s standing in the bout as Prograis abandoned his jab first style. 

The momentum shift would be brief as Prograis rocked and dropped Zepeda along the ropes early in the eleventh. Referee Ray Corona waved off the contest at 59 seconds of round eleven. 

After the bout, Prograis refused to call out any of the other names at 140-pounds, considering he is now a champion that should be called out by them. 

For Zepeda, the third time did not end up being the charm as all three of his professional defeats have come in world title attempts. 

Valle Decisions Bermudez to Win Light Flyweight Titles

In the co-main event, IBF/WBO 105-pound champion Yokasta Valle (27-2, 9 KOs) of San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica moved up in weight to claim the light flyweight version of the same two titles from previously undefeated champion Evelyn Bermudez (17-1-1, 6 KOs) of Santa de la Vera Cruz, Santa Fe, Argentina via ten-round majority decision.

Valle, 107.4, was active and determined, but the naturally larger Argentine stood up well to the punches throughout the fight. After getting outworked at times early, Bermudez, 106, timed her right hand well in round four and caught the busier Valle clean. 

Valle kept a busy pace for all ten rounds, but it appeared Bermudez had the power edge and may have taken rounds with a well-placed right hand or two. 

In the end, two judges gave Bermudez very little credit, handing in scores of 99-91 and 97-93 for Valle. The third card was even, 95-95. 

After the win, Valle expressed her desire to meet fellow champion Seniesa Estrada at whatever weight class the fight can be made.

2016 and 2020 Uzbekistani Olympian Bakhodir Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York by way of Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan kept his knockout streak alive with a fourth-round stoppage of journeyman Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KOs) of Jacksonville, Florida. 

Jalolov, 247.6, controlled the bout from the early stages, keeping Harper, 260, on the end of his long punches from the southpaw stance. 

Harper grew frustrated to the point of intentionally headbutting and hitting on the break during the second round, which earned him a warning from the referee. 

In the third, a straight left from Jalolov dropped Harper hard, who got up seconds before the bell and the round would close just before they could touch again.

Jalolov ended the fight, dropping Harper with a combination near the blue corner in the fourth. Harper rose before the count of ten, but referee Thomas Taylor opted the call the one-sided bout. Official time of the stoppage was 1:53 of the fourth. 

IBF #4/WBC #5/WBO #8/WBA #12 ranked light middleweight Charles Conwell (18-0, 13 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio took a hard-fought ten-round majority decision over veteran gatekeeper Juan Carlos Abreu (25-7-1, 23 KOs) of La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Conwell, 153.8, found himself bleeding from his left eye early in the second after some inside fighting. Despite being bothered by the blood, Conwell pressed the action in the third, briefly stopping Abreu, 154, in his tracks with a clean combination upstairs. 

Conwell continued to force himself in rounds four and five, but some well-placed shots by Abreu worsened the 2016 U.S. Olympian’s cut, creating some drama as the fight moved to the middle rounds. 

Abreu, who entered as the WBC #15 ranked 154-pound contender, had one of his better rounds in round seven as he backed up Conwell with consistent combinations. However, Conwell would land the most telling blow late in the round, as a body shot forced Abreu to wince and drop his hands near the bell. 

As the fight wore on both fighters had their moments as they kept a busy junior middleweight pace in a bout that the three ringside judges would have a wide range of views. In the end, Conwell improved his ranking in what was billed as a WBC semi-final eliminator. One judge had it even, 95-95, while the other two scored it for Conwell, 98-92 and 96-94.

The son of the beloved former champion of the same name, Fernando Vargas Jr. (7-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada hammered overnmatched local Alejandro Martinez (3-3-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles, California en route to a second-round stoppage to open the pay-per-view telecast. 

Vargas, 150, utilized his natural size advantage to control the first round before opening up offensively to start the second. Martinez, 151.2, was outgunned and hit the canvas after a combination early in the round. Referee Ray Corona took a good look at Martinez, but allowed the bout to continue before another two-punch combination forced Martinez to slide to the canvas and forced the stoppage at 2:40 of round two. 

Super bantamweight prospect Nathan Rodriguez (10-0, 7 KOs) of Pico Rivera, California turned back a game Jerson Ortiz (17-6, 8 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua to score a wide eight-round unanimous decision in a bout tougher than the scores would lead you to believe. 

Rodriguez, 123.4, scored a knockdown during an exchange early in the third. Ortiz, 123.8, opted for the offense is the best defense approach and was downed again midway through the round. 

Through three rounds a distance result looked unlikely, but Ortiz landed some windmill shots to some effect in the fourth before Rodriguez turned back the tide late in the round. The two would engage in two-way exchanges down the stretch of the fight, as Ortiz made a fight out of it after the bleak beginning. The judges could not be swayed to credit Ortiz much for his effort, as Rodriguez took the bout and the minor WBC FECARBOX title by scores of 80-70 and 79-71 twice.

In an upset, Eduardo Estela (14-1, 9 KOs) of Montevideo, Uruguay spoiled the previously unblemished record Ruben Torres (19-1, 16 KOs) of Santa Monica, California via a hard-fought eight-round split decision. 

Estela, 136, staggered Torres, 136.2, against the ropes midway through the first, scoring a knockdown and prompting a count from referee Thomas Taylor. Estela pressed for the remainder of the round, but Torres managed to regain his footing. 

Torres fared much better in rounds two and three before Estela closed out the fourth strong, knocking the Californian off balance late in the round. Estela continued as the aggressor through the late rounds, forcing the crowd favorite Torres to fight on the move or with his back to the ropes much of the time. Torres stood his ground and fought at a beneficial distance in the eighth to close out the bout, but in the end it was not enough to leave Carson with his unbeaten record intact. Two judges scored in favor of Estela, 78-73 and 76-75. Torres took the dissenting card 76-75. 

One of two sons of Fernando Vargas on the card, Amado Vargas (5-0, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas passed a tougher-than-expected test in the form of Osmar Olmos Hernandez (1-2) of Santa Clarita, California.

Vargas, 125.8, opened the four-round bout at a frantic pace, eventually downing Olmos Hernandez, 124.4, with an overhand right early in the first round. Two follow-up lefts would cost the young Vargas a point as referee Jerry Cantu ruled they had come after the knockdown was scored. 

Olmos Hernandez finished the first with renewed vigor and carried that energy into the second frame. The stanza would feature back-and-forth action as both Vargas and Olmos Hernandez swung for the fences with little regard for defense. 

As the fight wound down, Vargas settled into more of a boxer’s posture which enabled the offspring “El Feroz” to cruise to a unanimous decision by scores of 39-35 and 38-36 twice.

Slick southpaw Austin Brooks (9-0, 3 KOs) of La Mesa, California pounded away at sturdy Jesus Roman (8-6, 3 KOs) of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico en route to a third-round stoppage. 

Brooks,129, opted to fight at close range despite his size advantage and was just too quick and strong for the game Roman, 129.6. The Mexican native fought hard throughout but ultimately wilted to the mat after a barrage in third. Referee Jerry Cantu waved off the contest at 2:03 of the round.

Local middleweight prospect Eric Priest (9-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles barely broke a sweat before scoring a three-knockdown KO of Luis Alberto Vera (11-22-2, 1 KO) of Buenos Aires.

Priest, 160, flurried Vera, 159.8, to the mat for two quick knockdowns in the opening round. Vera had no answer for anything Priest had to offer and was put down a third time by a stinging body shot moments later. Referee Thomas Taylor stopped the bout immediately after Vera took to a knee for the third knockdown.

Jacob Macalolooy (4-0, 3 KOs) of Union City, California remained unbeaten with a second-round stoppage of Terrance Jarmon (3-2, 1 KO) of Toledo, Ohio to open tonight’s card.

Macalolooy, 146.8, dropped Jarmon, 144, late in the first with an overhand left. The southpaw Jarmon fought in survival mode for the remainder of the first and survived to the bell. However it was just a matter of time before Macalolooy ended the bout, dropping Jarmon early in the second, prompting a stoppage from refereeJerry Cantu at the 1:02 mark of round two.

RED CORNER BLUE CORNER
WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE – 12 ROUNDS (PPV)
JOSE ZEPEDA (139.4lb.) vs. REGIS PROGRAIS (139lb.)
La Puente, CA New Orleans, LA
35-2, 27 KOs 27-1, 23 KOs

WOMEN’S /IBF/ WBO JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS (PPV)
YOKASTA VALLE (107.4) vs. EVELYN BERMUDEZ (106)
San Jose, Costa Rica Santa Fe, Argentina
26-2, 9 KOs) 17-0-1, 6 KOs

HEAVYWEIGHTS – 10 ROUNDS (PPV)
BAKHODIR JALOLOV (247.6) vs. CURTIS HARPER (260)
Brooklyn, NY Jacksonville, FL

11-0, 11 KOs 14-8, 9 KO’s
WBC SEMIFINAL JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR– 10 ROUNDS (PPV)
CHARLES CONWELL (153.8) vs. JUAN CARLOS ABREU (154)
Cleveland, OH La Romana, Dominican Republic
17-0-0, 13 KOs 25-6-1, 23 KOs

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS (PPV)
FERNANDO VARGAS JR. (150) vs. ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ (151.2)
Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles, CA
6-0, 6 KOs 3-2-1, 2 KOs

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS (FREEVIEW)

NATHAN RODRIGUEZ (123.4) vs. JERSON ORTIZ (123.8)
Pico Rivera, CA Managua, Nicaragua
9-0, 7 KOs 17-5, 8 KOs

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS (FREEVIEW)

RUBEN TORRES (136.2) vs. EDUARDO ESTELA (136)
Santa Monica, CA Montevideo, Uruguay
19-0, 16 KOs 13-1, 9 KOs

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS (FREEVIEW)

ALEJANDRO REYES (142.6) vs. DANIEL PERALES (142.4)
Mexicali, Mexico Monterrey, Mexico
9-0, 5 KOs 12-24-2, 6 KOs

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

AMADO VARGAS (125.8) vs. OSMAR OLMOS HERNANDEZ (142.4)
Las Vegas, NV Santa Clarita, CA
4-0, 2 KOs 1-1
SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS

AUSTIN BROOKS (129) vs. JESUS ROMAN (129.6)
La Mesa, CA Sinaloa, Mexico
8-0, 2 KOs 8-5, 3 KOs

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS

MARIO RAMOS (151.6) vs. GERONIMO SACCO (150)
San Diego, CA Buenos Aires, Argentina
10-0, 8 KOs 10-6-1, 2 KOs

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS

ERIC PRIEST (160) vs. LUIS ALBERTO VERA (159.8)
Los Angeles, CA Buenos Aires, Argentina
8-0, 6 KOs 11-21-2 , 1 KO

WELTERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS

JACOB MACALOLOOY (146.8) vs. TERRANCE JARMON (144)
San Diego, CA Ohio
3-0, 2 KOs 3-1, 1 KO

Los Angeles, CA (November 23, 2022) Tensions were high on Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles as a massive crowd of Southern California media attended the final press conference for ‘Battle of the Best’ Tuesday afternoon with #1 Ranked Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda, (23-0-1, 20 KOs), of La Puente, CA and #2 Ranked Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis, (27-1, 23 KOs), of New Orleans, LA coming face-to-face for one of the final times ahead of their highly anticipated battle for the prestigious WBC Super Lightweight World Title set for this Saturday night, November 26 at ‘The War Grounds’ Dignity Health Sports Park.

‘Battle of the Best’, promoted by MarvNation Promotions and Legendz Entertainment, can be seen live on cable, satellite, telco and streaming PPV outlets beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. including FITE and PPV.COM. Remaining tickets starting at $39 for the live event can be purchased online at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park is located at 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746.

Joining Zepeda and Prograis at the final press conference were moderator Beto Duran and Marvin Rodriguez of MarvNation Promotions along with PPV undercard fighters; unified minimum weight world champion Yokasta ‘Yoka’ Valle and undefeated world champion Evelyn ‘La Princesita’ Bermudez,  undefeated heavyweight contender Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov and veteran Curtis Harper,  undefeated junior middleweight contender Charles ‘Bad News’ Conwell andupset minded, Dominican Juan Carlos Abreu.

Also, in attendance were brothers; junior middleweight Fernando ‘EL Feroz’ Vargas Jr. and featherweight Amado ‘EL Malvado’ Vargas along with their father / head trainer, boxing legend Fernando Vargas Sr, with undefeated prospects featured on the PPV Freeview (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT); super bantamweight Nathan Rodriguez, (9-0, 7 KOs) lightweight Ruben ‘Ace’ Torres, (19-0, 16 KOs) and super welterweight Alejandro Martinez, (3-2-1, 2 KOs).

Below are quotes from Jose Zepeda, Regis Prograis and Marvin Rodriguez.

Jose Zepeda

“This is athird time fighting for a world title for me and that’s why I keep saying this is the time for me to get my world title belt. I have all the experience I need. Regis Prograis is going to be fighting the best version of Jose Zepeda. I really believe it’s now or never.”

It’s nice to fight for the world title at home, I’m always fighting on the road. It’s extra motivation for me to fight in my backyard. It’s going to be a great night for boxing. I’ve heard it all before that I’m not going to win certain fights but my track record speaks for itself.”

“Prograis is going to be very surprised by my power and speed. We’re both going to fight the way we’ve been fighting. He hits hard, I hit hard and both of us are desperate to win which will make for a great fight. Both of us have a lot of heart and we both are looking for a real fight to settle this. I had two previous opportunities to win a world title and I truly believe this is the best version of me for this fight.”

Regis Prograis

“When I was the world champion everybody called my name but once I didn’t have the belt it all stopped and I know I’m a dangerous fighter and that’s part of the reason. For me, I’m just glad I’m getting the opportunity to fight for the world title again. Being a two-time world champion in the 140lb. division is my main focus now. I’m not surprised Zepeda took the fight, that’s what we all want, to become world champions. I know what type of fighter he is.”

“He going to come to fight and so am I. He said he’s 100% after the car accident so I don’t want to hear any excuses after the fight. I’m ready to dominate for 12 rounds. I’m going to dominate and I’m not worried about anything else.”

“I just feel like I’m on another level than him, skill wise. I have more experience and I’ve been at the top already. If you compare strength, power, chin, stamina, speed, defense, I feel like I win every time. Every category, it’s me. He’s been hurt, he’s been dropped a bunch of times. I’ve never been hurt and I destroy people.”

Marvin Rodriguez

“It’s going to be the best fight of the year, #1 vs #2, something you rarely see. Now people know who MarvNation is, we’ve come out strong and we’re making a statement with this fight. This is just the first of many statements coming out.”

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With the international boxing world witnessing extraordinary women’s world championship bouts throughout this year, the tremendous momentum continues as fast-rising female superstar Yokasta ‘Yoka’ Valle, (26-2, 9 KO’s), of San Jose, Costa Rica battles undefeated world champion Evelyn ‘La Princesita’ Bermudez, (17-0-1, 6 KOs), of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina for the WBC and WBO Junior Flyweight World Titles over ten scheduled rounds.

Fighting in the junior middleweight division, undefeated contender, 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles ‘Bad News’ Conwell, (17-0, 13 KOs), of Cleveland, OH, who many experts believe will soon be the division’s upcoming king, faces his toughest opposition against upset minded, Dominican Juan Carlos Abreu, (25-6-1, 23 KOs) in a ten-round fight.

2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov, (11-0, 11 KOs), standing 6’7” and considered the dominant heavyweight of the future, faces off against veteran Curtis Harper, (14-8, 9 KOs), of Jacksonville, FL over ten rounds.

In a special attraction super welterweight six rounder, boxing fans will see the ‘Son of a Legend’, sure-fire prospect Fernando Vargas Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs), open the Pay-Per-View against local favorite Alejandro Martinez, (3-2-1, 2 KOs), of Los Angeles.